How new data centres are driving digital Africa forward

Google’s new undersea cable, Equiano, connects Lisbon, Portugal, to Cape Town, South Africa, with branches extending to Lagos, Nigeria; Lomé, Togo; Swakopmund, Namibia; and Rupert’s Bay on St. Helena, an island in the South Atlantic. The cable terminates directly into the Open Access Data Centre (OADC) in Lagos, which serves as a critical hub for digital infrastructure in West Africa. This expansion marks a significant step toward enhancing digital connectivity across the continent. The OADC in Lagos operates under the oversight of its operations manager, Olatunji Odouloju, who highlights the center’s role in connecting cloud providers, businesses, and digital platforms across West Africa. The facility supports 38 locations in three African markets, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa. According to Odouloju, modern data centers form the backbone of the digital economy, relying on highly interconnected digital ecosystems to ensure efficiency, reliability, and stability. Afrika’s digital infrastructure is evolving rapidly, driven by substantial investments in data centers, undersea cables, fiber-optic networks, mobile broadband, and the integration of artificial intelligence. Countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt are leading this transformation. Odouloju emphasizes that these developments are not just technological milestones but economic catalysts. He notes that building and operating data centers brings capital into regional markets, creating high-quality jobs in cybersecurity, facilities management, and energy optimization. In urban areas, many Africans have access to digital networks, while rural populations often face limited connectivity. The presence of data centers helps bridge this gap by ensuring seamless streaming, video calls, and financial transactions for end users. Odouloju adds that these centers strengthen national digital sovereignty and foster innovation. Experts agree that data centers play a crucial role in this shift, enabling governments, companies, and research institutions to operate more efficiently. As a result, Africa is increasingly asserting itself on the global tech map. According to a report by the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSMA), over 1.1 billion mobile phone users in Africa sent money through mobile applications in 2024, totaling $1.1 trillion, a figure representing roughly two-thirds of the world’s transaction volume. The World Economic Forum noted that while the world moves swiftly into the age of artificial intelligence, Africa’s digital transformation is not only keeping pace but surpassing global standards in some areas. Despite these advancements, challenges remain. A report by the Africa Data Centres Association states that only about 0.6 percent of the world’s data center capacity is located in Africa, with 360 megawatts of power available compared to 55 gigawatts globally. The size of data centers is often measured by their maximum energy consumption due to fluctuations in computing performance and frequent limitations in electricity supply. Odouloju acknowledges concerns regarding the sustainability of large-scale data centers, noting they consume vast amounts of energy. However, he points to ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. These developments underscore the growing importance of digital infrastructure in shaping Africa’s future, even as the continent continues to navigate the complexities of rapid technological growth.